The ChangingMinds Blog!

Self, short-term and stupidity: the unholy
persuasive trinity

We live in strange times where these three factors seem to be in the
ascendant. They also make for dangerous times as many in power seem hell-bent on
narrow, self-serving actions that take little account of the wider impact.

Self

A basic dimension of personality is the extent to which people focus on their
own needs as opposed to those of other people. In practice, many of us swing
along this scale, sometimes being generous and sometimes selfish. This pendulum
is affected by how comfortable we are. When we feel the tension of fear or
greed, we swing towards ourselves. When we feel safe and comfortable, we are
more likely to be kinder, though the anchor of self can hinder even this.

As such, the 'self' may extend to family, close friends and ideals that support
and legitimize unkind actions. For example a nationalist, patriotic position can
be used to justify racist and xenophobic actions.

Selfishness becomes particularly dangerous when those in power are driven
more by their own ends than social concerns. When they don't care who they
trample on, when they consider deceit a useful tool, and when they bludgeon
rather than finesse, then everyone else suffers.

Short-term

When thinking about the future we easily discount the likely effect of our
actions, assuming risks will not happen and trivializing arguments that do not
support us. Thinking about the wider impact of our actions can also be something
of an inconvenience when this highlights how our ideas are flawed, damaging or
just plain wrong.

Being in power can make a person reactive as they grab at every opportunity
without concern for the future. With power aplenty, it is easy to feel they can
handle problems that may arise from their actions, for example by blaming others
or ignoring complaints. Where the thought of social disapproval keeps many of us
on the straight and narrow, the powerful treat others with disdain.

Stupidity

Education is not the best predictor of success, particularly not wealth and
influence. Determination and a willingness to bend the rules are how many get
there. Also, if you try to be too perfect, too kind or are too concerned about
the approval of others, your career ceiling is likely to be limited.

While 'stupidity' may be an emotionally charged word, it can describe well
the decisions and actions of the powerful. When they equate success with their
own 'genius',
when they punish disagreement, or when they are selfish and think short-term, then
their decisions may seem wise at first yet turn out to be very foolish.